bubbad323

very nice work! I dont know much about stitching but this looks really time consuming. How long is it taking you to stitch the connections? Are you doing it by hand or machine? In any event, seems like one of the more rewarding mods and I cant wait to see the finished installed product!

bubba

Preacher

I am using a sewing machine. I wouldn't do this if I had to do it by hand.... way too time consuming. The actual sewing of the top portion above probably took between 4 and 5 hours. The rest of the time was spent in layout. Each line is double stitched with upholstery thread to make it strong.

If this freaking rain would stop, I could get out and move to the next step.. been raining for a damn week here!

Preacher

Ok, another update.

Here are the straps that will hold the top and sides in place. 16 of them!



The Passenger side is done. There will be some final stitching done (reinforcements along the stress lines) but it is basically finished.



Here is the side and top, with the Bikini top just laid in place to show what it will looks like.



Finishing the other side and the rear will allow me to tighten up the net a little more, get rid of the little bit of slack you see.

Tomorrow I will finish the driver's side and, hopefully, the rear with all the quick disconnect buckles to make it easy to load/unload.

TheonlyREDhead 2008 JK

I like it, I need to find some strapping in neon green!!!

Red

sgmrock

Very Nice....I think I saw something like that in Jurassic Park....

Preacher

I am disappointed. I hoped to finish it today but I ran out of thread! I was sure 2 rolls would be enough...

I got the driver's side done and the tailgate about 2/3 done.

Guess I'll have to try and get down to the hobby place tomorrow.

RANT MODE: What kind of f&(*&$ hobby store is NOT open on a SUNDAY???? Morons.... :(

MacsJK

What are you using to anchor it to the frame?

Preacher

Right now, S-hooks. I am looking for a source for flat hooks (like you see on some tie-downs, especially those designed to hook into a car's gutter for a roof rack)

In other news...

DONE!

Here is the rear. You can see the quick disconnect buckles to give me easy access. The bottom is to keep from having to attack it to the tailgate and to keep it from flapping in the breeze.



With the tailgate closed



Passenger side. It looks loose, but that is because my measuring skills are off. It is pretty tight....



Driver's side




LESSONS LEARNED: There is a reason the manufacturers charge so much for stuff like this. Not because they are the only source or even because their product cannot be reproduced by the end user.

It is because this kind of thing, when done by hand and without the tools, jigs and plans needed to make a first rate product.... SUCKS.

If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't.

Offroadme

wow i bet you never want to look at a needle and thread ever again. that is a great job you did there. that is some dedication. i was thinking of making one out of 550 cord. i have a ton of it.

Preacher

You got that right.

It was an educational experience and I am glad I did it, but I sure won't be starting up a side business doing this stuff!